Palliative Care
The Comfort of Palliative Care in an Aged Care Setting
In our Reservoir and Brighton nursing homes, Mayflower offers individualised palliative care to residents in need of this care.
What Is Palliative Care — Aged Care?
For aged care residents experiencing serious illnesses, palliative care is a practice intended to enhance quality of life and provide relief from physical and emotional pain. It also involves connecting residents and their families with the necessary resources and care.
Contrary to some common misconceptions, a palliative approach is not intended to delay or hasten death. Rather, it is a life-affirming perspective that acknowledges death as a normal and natural occurrence.
Additionally, it seeks to provide a high-quality support system for individuals receiving care as well as their loved ones. In this sense, palliative care is a family-centred approach.
Close family members are encouraged to be involved in whatever ways they can. And, given the personal difficulties of seeing a loved one through this type of experience, the family will also have access to their own channels of emotional support and practical resources.
When receiving Mayflower’s palliative care aged care services, you will come to a better understanding of your treatment options and goals as well as the possibilities for managing your illness and symptoms.
You’ll remain an active participant in your care decisions and we will work to ensure you feel comfortable and well cared for at all times.
Who Qualifies for Palliative Care?
End of life care is an important part of palliative care in aged care homes. However, the truth is that anyone experiencing a life-limiting or terminal illness can benefit from specialised palliative care services.
Palliative care requirements will vary from one individual to another. Older people living with advanced dementia, including advanced Alzheimer’s disease, as well as residents experiencing distressing health complications, may benefit from additional palliative care support.
Mayflower’s palliative care services can be adapted to assist our ageing residents to suit their individual health care needs.
When Is Palliative Care Needed?
It’s important to note that palliative care is not only about end-of-life care. You can start palliative care in the early stages of a serious illness if you believe the time is right. At Mayflower, your care team will work with you to decide whether palliative care aged care could be beneficial.
Quality of Life During Palliative Care
As a holistic approach, palliative care is designed to help aged care residents maintain a lifestyle that is as active and enjoyable as possible. You and your family members will notice the improved quality of life made possible through Mayflower’s palliative care aged care services.
Residents Actively Participate in Care Decisions
You’ve known what’s right for you throughout your life, so this part of your journey will be no different. We’ll work with you to determine the right plan of action and carry out a personalised care plan that respects your wishes.
Whether you require emotional support, help with day-to-day activities, or pain management assistance, our registered nurses will be there for you. All throughout the process, our carers and staff will demonstrate a dignified, respectful and compassionate approach to meeting your care requirements.
Alleviating Physical and Emotional Pain
Despite what many people might think, pain is not an inevitable part of the end-of-life journey. Pain management is an essential component of our palliative care aged care services at Mayflower.
We work to reduce the negative physical and psychological effects of an illness and help residents achieve a more peaceful and comfortable state.
For instance, we can help a resident experiencing shortness of breath or muscle discomfort by recommending and providing treatments to relieve those pains. Our carers will establish and carry out a personalised care plan, continually monitoring the resident’s symptoms to adapt treatments as needed.
Additionally, we will spend time speaking with care recipients and their loved ones to help alleviate the grief, distress and potential hopelessness that may coincide with the onset of a life-threatening illness at an advanced age.
End-of-life care is not an easy subject to discuss with loved ones, but our care team are here to help facilitate these conversations and ensure that each family member’s concerns and needs are addressed.
By taking a thoughtful, family-oriented and well-rounded palliative care approach we work together to help put everyone’s mind at ease and open up a space for calmness and positivity.
A Peaceful Environment for Residents and Their Loved Ones
We ensure that our aged care residents have a quiet and calm environment to call home while being cared for, and that their guests feel welcome and comfortable when they come to visit.
Our safe and intimate rooms are designed to promote each resident’s dignity and privacy, whether they are benefitting from our various aged care services or specialised palliative support.
Residents undergoing palliative care will not need to relocate to another care facility; they can stay in the comfort of their own private rooms.
At Mayflower, our aged care residents receiving palliative care can also access spiritual support, recognising the importance of spirituality and spiritual care for those receiving end-of-life and palliative care, as well as their loved ones.
High-Quality Palliative Care Services
Mayflower’s extensive range of aged care services includes respite care, residential care, dementia support and palliative care. No matter your needs, we are able to establish a customised care plan that cares for body, mind and spirit while ensuring you experience life on your own terms.
Flexible Care Planning to Meet Evolving Needs
At Mayflower, we pride ourselves on offering highly individualised and flexible care plans for our aged care residents. From the time you join our Brighton or Reservoir residence, you will be involved in your own care planning.
Our care teams will establish a care plan that suits your every health requirement and lifestyle preference. Should your needs change, we are always ready to listen to your experiences and desires, and adapt your care accordingly.
This means however your health or illness progresses, you’ll never have to relocate from your nursing home.
Experienced Carers Delivering Support Around the Clock
While there are many ways to encourage ageing in place from your existing home, experiencing a terminal illness or end-of-life health complications often requires around-the-clock attention. This makes an aged care residence an ideal environment for elderly Australians requiring palliative support.
With Mayflower’s palliative care aged care, residents and their loved ones have the peace of mind that comes with 24/7 access to care.
A team of registered nurses and other qualified aged care workers support specialist palliative care needs and work in partnership with other health care providers to create a comprehensive care plan.
Your team of carers may include:
- Registered nurses
- Visiting doctors
- Specialist practitioners
- Psychologists
- Physiotherapists
- Speech therapists
- Occupational therapists
Palliative Care Costs
Most aged care palliative care services will be included in your aged care fees, or covered by Medicare. There may be additional costs if you need hospital care or special equipment. The best way to find out the actual costs based on your needs is to speak with our team at Mayflower.
Learn More About Palliative Care Aged Care at Mayflower
It’s never too soon to start evaluating your palliative care aged care options. Gathering the necessary information well before you need it can put your mind at ease.
But if a specific need has arisen for you or a loved one, we are just a phone call away, ready to answer your questions and provide as much information as possible.
Driven by a family-centred approach, we can help you and your close relatives discuss sensitive topics related to palliative care helping the important people in your life to participate throughout the process.
We invite you to contact us by phone at Mayflower Brighton on 03 9591 1100, Mayflower Reservoir on 03 9460 2480 or via email at info@mayflower.org.au.